Akwa Ibom releases N60m for family planning commodities after decade-long funding gap

Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, has finally released N60 million for family planning commodities, breaking a more than 10-year funding drought. The significant financial commitment was announced during a Pulse Check Meeting in Uyo, focused on Family Planning and Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health programs. This release signifies a crucial step towards self-reliance after years of donor-supported interventions, with the state government and development partners assessing progress and identifying critical needs. The funding will be channeled into the National Basket Fund, a collaborative financing mechanism designed to ensure consistent access to reproductive health services across participating states. Previously, despite budgetary provisions in some years, funds for family planning commodities were consistently unreleased, as confirmed by a review of state financial reports from 2015 to 2024. The recent release follows an assurance from the Commissioner for Health, Ekem Emmanuel, during a May 2025 advocacy visit. "We have been able to contribute to the National Basket Fund for procurement of family planning commodities. A sum of N60 million has been contributed. It is something we have been begging for over 10 years," stated Enobong Eshiet, the state's Family Planning Coordinator. She highlighted that increased access to family planning services is vital for raising the state's contraceptive prevalence rate, reducing unintended pregnancies, and consequently lowering maternal mortality rates, which are significantly impacted by unsafe abortions. Akwa Ibom currently faces an estimated unmet need for family planning of 23 percent. Commissioner Emmanuel confirmed the N60 million contribution, emphasizing the state's commitment to improving reproductive health outcomes.

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We have been able to contribute to the National Basket Fund for procurement of family planning commodities. A sum of N60 million has been contributed. It is something we have been begging for over 10 years.